CPAP FOR SLEEP APNEA

Sleep Apnea is a medical condition that causes a person’s airway to close during sleep, cutting off oxygen to the lungs. Sleep apnea is an astonishingly common disease which can actually prove to be very serious if left undetected and untreated over a long period of time. The disease affects sufferers’ breathing as they sleep, causing them to stop breathing over and over again for periods of ten to twenty seconds. This can happen manytimes every night..The problem, of course, is that sufferers’ sleep cycles are interrupted, resulting in them getting more shallow sleep and less of the deep, restorative sleep we all need.

lnadequate sleep caused by sleep apnea causes many problems, such as daytime sleepiness, lack of coordination and, over time, more serious problems such as raised (high) blood pressure, the risk of heart disease, heart attack, gasping while asleep, sleep time body jerking, mood disorders, stroke and gaining weight. Patients with sleep apnea may also feel constantly tired and may become irritable and unable to focus on their work. They may also suffer from high blood pressure, coronary disease, and diabetes. Chronic snoring is one symptom of obstructive sleep apnea. lf you suspect that you have this sleep disorder, you will have to be examined by your doctor.

Millions of people who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea find relief with the help of CPAP machines. CPAP stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. CPAP machines provide a constant airflow which holds the airway open during sleep, providing uninterrupted breathing and a restful sleep.

CPAP can treat over 90% of all night-time apnea. lt is recommended you have a sleep study if you have any signs and symptoms. CPAP is very effective but some sleep apnea patients cannot tolerate it due to any of the following reasons such as dry mouth, claustrophobia, mask pain, noisy machine, a smothering sensation, CPAP mask wraps around the head, and abdominal bloat from swallowing air.

CPAP MACHINE

This is probably the most common non-invasive device used to treat sleep apnea. lt consists of a machine, tubes and a mask that you wear over your nose. A CPAP machine works by providing pressurized air which pushes the tongue forward and opens your airways. This device is normally prescribed for people who have moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea. However, it has also shown to be effective for people who have more serious sleep apnea. A CPAP machine is available only through a prescription from your doctor.

A CPAP machine might be uncomfortable to wear. Some sufferers claim that CPAP machines are uncomfortable to use. Some people who have been given CPAP machines end up either not using it or wearing it for only a few hours. Because of this, the manufacturers of CPAP machines have created improvements such as a heated humidifier that provides moist, and warm air. This prevents you from having a dry mouth and sore throat, making it easier to tolerate the mask. Another new feature of CPAP machines is called ramping. lt provides a low pressure as you first fall asleep and then gradually increases air pressure during the night.

lf you are diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, your doctor will give you a prescription for a CPAP machine. A CPAP machine blows room air through a tube into a mask pushing air through your closed airway. The pressurized air is adjusted based on an exam of a person’s sleep-time breathing pattern measured during a sleep study. The doctor will also have you stay overnight to determine the proper settings for your machine. The machine keeps working by pushing air through the airway at a pressure high enough to prevent the airway passage from closing and causing apnea. The air is delivered through a flexible hose that connects the CPAP machine with a mask or similar interface device worn over the nose or the nose and mouth.

Being a medical device, CPAP units must be approved by the Food and Drug Administration before they can be sold. A physician’s prescription is also required before you can obtain a CPAP machine. Different types of CPAP machines are being offered by CPAP manufacturers.

Treatment for this disorder varies depending on the complexity of the problem, the age of the patient and of course his medical history. Treatments of sleep apnea are of two types mainly surgical and non-surgical.

lf the problem is not very serious then a patient can opt for nonsurgical options like doing changes in his lifestyle habits, taking oral medicines, using dental appliances that hold the jaw and the tongue forward in order to prevent the closure of the lungs. However, the most prevalent form of non-surgical treatment includes a CPAP mask and a BiPAP mask. Both these mask tries to force the air through the nostril so that a person can breathe easily even if he has a sleep disorder problem. lt has been found that CPAP users are so very dependent on CPAP masks they carry it everywhere they find themselves and cannot do without it.

The advantage of using a CPAP machine are numerous. lt decreases the sleepiness that a person generally faces in sleep apnea. CPAP sleep machines also improve the results of cognitive tests. People who use CPAP are found to perform better in driving stimulation test also. An advanced version of CPAP is known as smart CPAP which adjusts the pressure and reduces it to a level below the normal. This actually ensures a much quieter and happier sleeping experience for the person.

CPAP MASKS

The CPAP mask is every sleep apnea sufferer’s Holy Grail. This is the.secondary yet an important factor in the treatment of sleep apnea, after the CPAP machine. You can’t sleep with something cumbersome on your face, right? But you can sleep on the low hum of machines. That is why CPAP masks should be chosen for a comfortable fit.

CPAP Masks are designed for different sizes and are available in different interface configurations to suit petite, medium, and large facial contours and sizes. Some added features of the masks include that the newer models are made from soft material and are lightweight. These are cheaper than invasive procedures that guarantee little and work excellently to provide regular air pressure to the upper air passageway to the lungs and appreciation to the makers of CPAP making sleep apnea patients not to glue CPAP masks to their faces anymore.

CPAP is also portable. Sleep apnea patients can travel anytime and take along their sleek CPAP machines and their mask. These can be slipped into travel bags without fuss. Upon arrival at their destination, they simply plug the device into a power outlet, and they’re ready for the long night ahead.

lf your mask does not have a proper fit, it can get dislodged during sleep, preventing the steady supply of pressurized air into the airways. lf it is held in place by tight straps, you cannot sleep well. However, this is considered as a minor problem as dealers of CPAP can show you different straps with Velcro instead of straps with bulky buckles.

A CPAP mask must be comfortable whatever sleeping position you have. You should not have bruises or expect any discomfort. Do not go for the line to ‘expect some discomfort’ because that’s not the way CPAP should be.

Although CPAP machines and masks can be transported during travels, you need to have a power outlet to make the machine work. Sleeping outdoors shouldn’t be on the travel map of sleep apnea patients, but this is just a minor nuisance. Some of the main reasons you discontinue CPAP therapy is because your CPAP mask is uncomfortable, causes skin irritations, and creates sleep interruption or a combination of any of these.

How to test your CPAP mask

Through technology, there has been sleeping apnea machines that are comfortable, portable, and offered at competitive prices. Upon diagnosis, the doctor determines what causes the sleep apnea and recommends the appropriate face mask if you are the type who breathes through the mouth or prefers to sleep on one side the entire night.

Choosing your CPAP mask is just as important is choosing the CPAP air generator because these will be used regularly for long periods until your sleep apnea is treated. You want a comfortable and quiet sleep, and it is no joke getting used to sleeping with a mask on and hearing the murmur of the machine throughout the night.

To test it, it must be removed from its packaging. So instead of allowing a fit-test of a fresh-from- the package mask, you will be checking out masks selected for the purpose. lf the fit is right, you rent a fresh maSk along with its compone,nts. When testing the CPAP masks, note the feel of the material on your face. ls it heavy for you? Do you feel like suffocating? Does it feel cumbersome? Test the different types of masks: full-faced mask, nasal pillow, and nasal mask. Select one that is the most comfortable. With the choices available, it is easy to choose one that suits your budget and your sleeping comfort.

CPAP SUPPLIES

CPAP supplies consist of a variety of products. There are many choices of CPAP machines, most of which are small and light enough to travel with. Some run on electrical or battery power or both. Sometimes a humidifier is incorporated into the machine to further ease breathing. Still, others even integrate the capability to record usage data, like the GoodKnight 4205, which can monitor breathing and log up to 600 sessions.

Although there are complete packages that incorporate several different CPAP supplies for a single purchase, other equipment can be purchased on its own. There is even more of a variety of masks available to treat sleep apnea. Many of these are designed for comfort and include gel cushions and adjustable headgear to keep the device in place.

While some masks are designed to fit the whole face, others are more specifically tailored to deliver air either nasally and orally. Also, the overall product line-up is not just limited to the complete device; parts can also be ordered separately, such as cushions, humidifier chambers, hoses, ports, and sensors.

The scope of CPAP supplies is inclusive of parts for the masks, but an even wider variety of accessories is subdivided into various categories. Power and battery adapters are common choices and, as with any other kind of electrical equipment, represent the essentials. A choice of chin straps enables users to select the kind of comfort they can have. Since the machinery and equipment associated with CPAP supplies are medical equipment, a prescription is required to purchase them.

The filter on your CPAP unit has to be changed regularly. This accessory reduces allergens and bacteria that can cause respiratory problems. The tubes must also be replaced a few times each year. ln addition, you will need other CPAP supplies such as replacement mask straps, mask cushions, and forehead spacers. These accessories help keep the mask in place and maintain the prescribed air pressure. Over time, they will stretch and show signs of wear and tear. They will lose their effectiveness and will have to be replaced.

Cleaning supplies for your CPAP unit are necessary to remove dust, dirt, debris and skin oil from the mask. Cleaning must be done daily to prevent bacteria from breeding on the mask. To ensure that your CPAP machine is working efficiently, you must replace all parts that are worn out. Replacement CPAP supplies are necessary to prevent air leaks or faulty seals that will prevent your machine from working effectively.

ResMed CPAP

To the individual just diagnosed with sleep apnea, what matters most is the quality of life when on Constant Positive Air Pressure (CPAP) therapy. ResMed CPAP masks and machines bring together technology and increased comfort to ensure uninterrupted usage. Often, the discomfort can arise from seemingly small issues like mask leakage or lack of adequate cushioning leading to skin chafing. Any of these, and other similar problems can lead to inadequate delivery of CPAP to the individudl, leading to the therapy being of little or no use.

ResMed, a global leader in the management of sleep-related breathing disorders tike sleep apnea, is committed to bringing relief closer to users with its range of CPAP masks and machines that combine therapy attributes with user com’fort as well. The company has a network of distributors who bring their solutions closer to users of CPAP. This also helps users try out several kinds of masks, before finalizing on the one that suits their needs best.

The trademarked Easy-Breathe Expiratory Pressure Relief system by ResMed ensures comfortable delivery of CPAP through its assembly of machines and masks. The trademarked 59 Elite system by ResMed focuses on a quiet CPAP delivery while ensuring that the upper airways of the user do not collapse and cause breathing disruptions during sleep.

All ResMed masks combine effective sealing and cushioning even at high pressures, thus keeping discomfort at bay. Also, once worn, these masks do not need constant readjusting either. Together with the ResMed CPAP machines, there is a range of masks that can help users choose the one that fits their needs best. These include fullface nasal masks and nasal pillows. Allof the ResMed masks focus on bringing together innovation in user comfort and efficiency.

Vented and non-vented solutions: These masks work well for both, adult and pediatric use. They can be used comfortably at home and come in different variants for day and night use, as needed.

Easy to care: ResMed CPAP masks are designed to be worn and cleaned easily.

Comfort solutions: For those individuals who need to sleep on their side, ResMed has the option of side-sleeping solutions.

Disposable masks: These are ideal for short-term use, without compromising on safety and cleanliness concerns. Though disposable, they offer the same comforts and efficiency that regular ResMed masks offer, in terms of cushioning and sealing.